Newsletter

THE RIVERSIDE LIGHT
NEWS AND HAPPENINGS OF THE
RIVERSIDE CONGREGATIONAL
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

JANUARY 2010

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK

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One of my favorite hymns is the Wedding Banquet. It is a country music version of the gospel story of a wedding feast in which the king sends his servants out to invite everyone from the highways and the byways to come to the festivities. The king insists that his table must be filled. To some degree the hoedown nature of the song seems to make light of the importance to recall is that Jesus practiced this radical open-table socializing through out his ministry.

I will confess that I am more a fan of feasting than of fasting. Nevertheless, how we eat tells a lot about who we are. Anthropologists tell us that how, where and with whom a people eat is a reflection of the character of the people. In every society how the table is shared is a basic and fundamental mechanism of relationship building. The meal outlines who belongs and what is their social status. The challenge of Jesus’ open-table message is that there are no vertical distinctions and no exclusions.

The United Church of Christ practices and encourages an open table approach to Communion. This tends to illustrate the egalitarian nature of Congregational Christianity. Some churches actively use restricting access to the table as a discipline for its members.

There is a challenge that comes with the open table. If I am truly egalitarian, I experience myself as a member of the group gathered at the table. Perhaps the first step is to feel a need to treat everyone respectfully and affectionately. The second step is more complicated. It occurs when I care how the others in the group see me. If my sense of self-respect is formed when I am able to see myself through other’s eyes, I am truly connected.

I take this step when I realize that it’s not all about me. It is not my table. Even though I have been coming to this table for 90 years, it is not my table any more than it belongs to the person who is visiting. It is Christ’s table and we are all invited guests.

Another way of explaining this may be to understand the difference between tolerance and affirmation. If I am tolerant of someone who is different than I am, I can be politely respectful but still aloof. However, to value that I have the respect of others, is to affirm the worth of the other. At that point our differences recede from notice. The kingdom of God is built on relationships. When we gather to worship, sing, and break bread together, it is only a first step. When we care about having the respect and affection of those we are at the table with, that’s communion.

Gene

BOARD OF DEACONS

First and foremost, many thanks and much appreciation for all your generosities during the holiday season. To begin, your donations of food items helped make it possible that 20 families in our community were able to sit down to a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. Secondly, your response to our “Tree of Joy” wherein we adopted some children and provided them with some Christmas morning surprises in the form of gifts. You truly warmed the heart of many, not to mention the broad smiles you helped put on the faces of several children. Bless you all! Now that the Christmas Season is behind us…we have begun working on a Taize Service which is scheduled for Thursday, January 14^th. If you have never attended such a service we encourage you to join us on the 14^th. The service is filled contemplative prayer and provides a meaningful spiritual environment.

As always, we are interested in hearing from you regarding our worship services.

If there are some favorite hymns you’d like to sing, or have other suggestions, please feel free to let any deacon know of your request. Also, if you know of someone who is ill, hospitalized or homebound, please let us know or call the church office. We like to keep in touch with all members and friends. Members of the Board of Deacons are:

Nicole Dyszlewski, Ruth Hainesworth, Carol Kogut, Richard Laurino, Myrtle McPherson and Donna Mears.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

ANNUAL FISCAL MEETING

In accordance with the by-laws of our Church, the Annual Fiscal Meeting of the Riverside Congregational Church has been set for Sunday, January 17^th following worship. The purpose of said meeting is to discuss the fiscal business of the church and any other pertinent business. All members are encouraged to ATTEND

BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Our Church School year has gotten off to a successful start. This year, we have been using a mixture of activities, storyboards, crafts, games and music to bring Bible stories to life. Our lively multi-age class has children ranging in age from 2 years to 12 years old. We have been keeping a photographic Sunday School journal which is on display in the narthex. During Advent we prepared for Christmas by learning about the story of Jesus’ birth. The children were excited about working on a “virtual” Christmas pageant in the form of a slide show. The “pageant’ was shown on December 20^th and was well received by all.Thank you to our assistants, Karin Capobianco, Nicole Dyszlewski, Karen Lembo, Donna Mears, Mandy Mears, and Jesse and Patrick Tucker. A special thanks to Ruth Hainesworth who not only teaches one class each month, but also provides advice and inspiration. And, of course, thank you to the parents and grandparents who faithfully bring their children to Sunday School and to the children for their participation.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

NOMINATING COMMITTEE
The Nominating Committee wishes to remind you that we have several openings of the church’s various boards and committees. If you would like to volunteer your time and talents to your church, please see Pat Rebollo, or call the church office and leave a message. An outline of each position’s responsibilities is available for your review. We hope you will consider giving some time to making a difference in the life of our church and its future

Click her for Notes Notables on page 2